When you begin detailed planning of your test application, questions may arise which the catalog and sales literature do not address. Here, we summarize some common questions people have asked us with the hope that these will address some of your questions too. If you don't find the answer you need, please feel free to call us at any time +1 978-266-2655, contact us by email or click on 'live chat' (below right).

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Can different types connector boards be used at the same time (for example CB15 on the left and CB4 on the right), or must you use like boards on each side of the tester?

You may mix and match boards in whatever combination you require to test the cable. Each CB board as an ID jumper built into the board that identifies it to the software allowing the proper choice of a connector graphic.

Next | Previous | TOCThe connector boards generally have two or more connectors mounted on a single board. Can I use more than one at a time when checking multi-headed cables?

Generally you may use only one connector at a time on each board. The connectors usually share a certain number of test points on each board, and it is the shared test points that cannot be employed simultaneously. There are exceptions, though. For example, the CB1 board you see on the right has two BNC connector that were layed out on the board to have independent test points, and thus these two connectors may be used at the same time. In this case, you would mount a CB1 on each side on the tester and would have a total of four BNC connectors available for your multi-headed cable. A similar situation exists for the CB18A board which has eight independent RJ45 connectors.

To test multi-headed cables, you may mount three or more boards by using an expansion module (low voltage series, high voltage series), use adapter cables, or build a panel connected directly to CableEye and having all the connectors you need pre-mounted (click for examples).

One approach would be to use our CB8 board. Three different connectors are mounted on the CB8 board you see on the right. The connectors may be removed and the board reused for another application. We are pleased to design and build custom interfaces for you at very reasonable rates. Contact us for details. See more examples of customized CB8 boards.

Next | Previous | TOCIs it possible to design and build our own CB interface board?

Yes. We will happily provide you with the routing pattern for the board as shown on the right (the data we give you will have exact dimensions). We can provide suggestions too for laying out the board and positioning the connectors.

Depending on the size of the harness, you may (a) build a mating harness as shown on the right, (b) construct a panel with all of your connectors present, (c) build "pigtail" cables, or (d) mount mating connectors on the CB8 custom interface board. Our PinMap software (Item 708) lets you add custom labels to all of your connectors and pins. We are pleased to advise during the construction of your harness interface.

Electrical Measurements on a Cable

Next | Previous | TOCDoes one connector board serve as a signal driver and the other as a receiver?

No. Although this kind of design is used in some very inexpensive cable testers, it does not provide a comprehensive test. In CableEye, every test point serves as both an input and an output at different times during the measurement of a cable. This permits us to measure current in both directions, and thus detect diodes. Every test point is measured with respect to every other one. So, for the 128 test point address space of a CableEye M2U-Basic, 128*128 (=16,384) measurements are made. The fact that we divide the 128 point space between two 64-pin headers is a matter of physical design only. It could just as well have been divided between four 32-pin headers.

Next | Previous | TOCCan CableEye measure a jumper between two pins of the same connector?

Yes. Any physically possible network of wiring may be measured and stored in the database as a reference for future testing.

Next | Previous | TOCWhat is a "resistance threshold" and how does it affect testing a cable?

The Models M3U, M3UH, HVX, and HVX21 CableEye systems permit you to set two resistance thresholds, a "conduction" threshold and an "isolation" threshold as specified in the Technical Specifications. These user-set values become test Pass/Fail criteria.

The "conduction" threshold is the highest resistance value you allow for a good (Pass) connection. Typically, in LV applications, you would set the value to about 2 Ω, in which case any wire whose resistance is less than 2 Ω is consider a "good" connection. For long cables, this value would increase to allow for the natural resistance of wire (typically 0.1 Ω/ft). If this threshold is violated during a test, the cable will be flagged as faulty (Fail).

The "isolation" threshold is the lowest value of resistance you allow for wires in a cable that are not connected. Typically, in LV applications, you would set this value to 1 MΩ or higher (Pass). When wires that are not suppose to be connected show leakage resistance less than this threshold, say 100 KΩ rather than 1 MΩ, the cable will be flagged as faulty (Fail). Isolation failures rarely occur with the cable body itself, but are more likely found within a connector as a result of solder or crimp terminations being too close, or contamination being present (such as solder flux or sugar residue from a beverage).

The diagram to the right illustrates typical LV applications.

Next | Previous | TOCWhat are the benefits of setting resistance thresholds?

Improper crimps, partially broken conductors, corrosion, and wear are some conditions that will cause high resistance on a pin when the cable is attached. Setting a threshold for maximum allowable resistance (generally 2-10 Ω for LV applications) flags any suspect connections. In addition to testing for good connections, our CableEye Models M3U, M3UH, HVX, and HVX21 also permit you to set an isolation threshold (see Technical Specifications) to ensure that insulation is not compromised. Contamination between pins by solder flux or moisture could cause an isolation failure.

Next | Previous | TOCCan you set thresholds on the Model M2U-Basic and M2U testers?

The Model M2U-Basic and M2U testers have a single fixed threshold of 42 KΩ that cannot be changed. This threshold value makes these models very sensitive to short circuits, the most serious and most likely kind of problem within a cable.

All our models are USB certified yielding fast test times. Low voltage tests performed by base units are literally faster than the blink of an eye (see Technical Specifications).

Next | Previous | TOCWhat is the maximum length of the cable I can measure?

That depends on the cable's capacitance and inductance. This is affected by the amount of wire twisting in the cable, and whether a shield conductor surrounds the wires. For unshielded Cat 5 ethernet cable which has twisted pairs, we have successfully measured cables 1000 ft long, though have not tested for maximum length. For 25-pair Telco shielded Telco cable, we have customers who regularly test cables of several hundred feet long. Again, they have not tested for maximum length. Another customer successfully tested simultaneous, multipoint continuity in a two-mile long, multicore cable (rated at 10Ω/1000ft) using a CableEye M3UH tester. Neither is this a maximum lenght. All our testers have a "dwell time" adjustment that affects how long a test signal is applied to a conductor during measurement. The dwell time may be increased as necessary to permit measuring extremely long cables.

No. For each wire, you need two test points, one on one side of the wire and one on the other. To test a 40 conductor cable, you need 80 test points. Add two more test points if there is a shield. The CableEye Models M2U-Basic, HVX, and HVX21, with 128 test points, can check a cable as large as 64 conductors.

Simply add the total number of pins on all connectors of your largest cable. Be sure to include the shields. For example, if you had a two-ended cable with DB25 connectors at each end, you need 26 test points for each end (25 pins plus a shield), and thus a total of 52 test points would be needed. For a wire harness having ten connectors of 30 pins each, you would need 300 test points.

Technical Specifications: CableEye test system base units have 128 or 152 test points depending on the model. The maximum number of test points is also model-dependent, and may exceed 2500 through use of expansion modules.

Next | Previous | TOCWith two or more connectors on a single plug-in board, how does CableEye know which connector to use for the graphic wiring display?

Although we mount several connectors on each board, we designed the board so that at least one test point is uniquely assigned to each connector (typically the shell conductor). Thus, when CableEye detects a signal on this unique test point, the connector we know which connector is being used.

Next | Previous | TOCIf I mount my own connector on the CB8 prototyping board (Item 738), or via an interface cable, what graphic does CableEye use and how can I change it?

Because the CB8 board is a generic board designed for any connector type, the software defaults to a 64-pin dual-row header as seen on the right. The pin numbers match the pad numbers on the board, and the wiring will be shown accurately, but the geometric shape of the connector will be rectangular. With the optional PinMap software (Item 708), you may replace the rectangular header graphic with anything else in the library. You may also add images of your unique connector developed with Connector Designer™.

Connector graphics created with Connector Designer. Screenshot shows the use of the custom graphics in test mode.

Yes. You would use the PinMap software (Item 708) for this purpose and can have up to a seven character alphanumeric label on each pin. When testing wire harnesses or multi-headed cables, you would typically incorporate the connector name into the pin number. For example, connector J3 pin 28 might have a pin label J3:28.

Computer Requirements and Options

Next | Previous | TOCWhat kind of computer and operating system do I need to run the CableEye software?

Any Windows-based machine will suffice running Windows® XP, Vista,Win7, Win8, or Win10. CableEye requires one USB port. There are no memory or disk requirements above those necessary to run Windows. Laptops work well with CableEye. Measurement speed will not be significantly different when using slower computers.

We recommend the largest monitor reasonable in your application. CableEye software version B1188 or later is PC Touch Screen compatible.

You may use a network printer to print reports. Two or more printers may be used simultaneously. For example, you may wish to have one for printing reports and another for printing labels.

Next | Previous | TOCCan I load the CableEye software on two or more computers at a time?

Yes, however, the test fixture must be connected to the computer's USB port for the software to operate. You have permission to load the software on as many computers as you wish, and then move the test fixture around as needed to different work stations for testing cables or wire harnesses.

Next | Previous | TOCCan I install the CableEye software on a network so that two or more workstations can share the same cable database and log files?

Yes. Set up a shared folder with the CableEye database contained therein.

Next | Previous | TOCIs it possible to use the software without the test fixture connected if all I want to do is look at cable schematics, design cables, view reports, or print labels?

If you purchase the optional Software Site License (Item 729), you may do so. In this case, any computer on your network may start the CableEye software and use any of the software functions, including report printing, that do not require the test fixture.

Next | Previous | TOCOnce a good cable has been learned, can the tester be disconnected from the computer and used independently?

No, the connection to the computer is necessary to control the tester and to display test results.

Next | Previous | TOCIs is possible to use two or more testers with a single computer as long as one USB port is available for each tester?

Technically, yes, but this is not recommended. Each operator needs their own controls and video display to operate the tester and see results.

Most people have the hardware connected, the software installed, and begin testing within about 10 minutes.

To set up scripts for automatic production testing, to customize reports, or adapt to custom cables, you would first review the relevant sections in the CableEye Applications Guide, and then perhaps the associated CableEye User's Manual if further detail is required.

The software is very easy to use and should not pose any problems for unskilled operators.

Next | Previous | TOCHow can I ensure that unskilled operators in a production environment test the cables consistently and cannot tamper with the settings?

CableEye's software includes a simple scripting language that lets the test engineer set up the desired test sequence including report generation and label printing, in advance. The operator needs only to press the TEST button on CableEye to trigger a test sequence.

You may also employ the Simplified Automation User Interface, and set up operator names with passwords and privilage controls to write-protect the database, threshold settings, and scripts.

The one-year warranty provided with each new tester includes free tech support and free software upgrades. Call us at +1 978-266-2655, click on the online chat button (below right), email us, or use the access codes provided with your tester to refer to the Customer Services section of our web site for the latest software, new product announcements, and our technical library.

Next | Previous | TOCIn the event that a repair is needed, what kind of turn-around can I expect?

We generally complete repairs within 24 hours of receiving the equipment. If we receive it early enough, we will ship the unit back the same day. Our warranty includes free two-day return shipment.

CAMI's products are all PC-based, but not all test systems are: Because PC-based equipment offers many benefits not found in standalone units, there is an incentive for everyone selling test equipment to use the words "PC-Based" and "PC" in their publicity whenever remotely possible. As a result, the meaning of "PC-based" is often lost.

Numerous test instruments permit the upload and download of information to PC software merely for off-line data analysis and storage. As such, these instruments do not qualify as "PC-based".

Microprocessor-controlled systems do not qualify as "PC-based" either. They have a limited user interface, often focused on hardware.

The electronic hardware specific to the tester consists of a data acquisition unit only, resulting in simpler, less-expensive hardware than testers that contain an embedded PC with disk drive, display subsystem, and microprocessor support circuitry.

Customers may use existing PC hardware that may already be available at no cost to their company.

Because the tester links to the PC via the COM port, no internal plug-in board is required. Thus, should the PC fail , the tester and software can quickly be moved to another PC for uninterrupted operation.

With the software designed around a fully-functioning PC (monitor, hard disk, etc.) more advanced software becomes possible than if the design were centered around a small, onboard, display.

Customers may use a readily-available laptop PC for field use where the laptop manufacturer has already invested considerable R&D in miniaturization and ruggedness. Thus, the total package of laptop PC and data acquisition unit becomes much more suitable for portable use than a unit with an integrated PC controller.

Customers receive software upgrades that add significant new capabilities with no changes in hardware, minimal cost, and no ship-back of equipment.